Becker County Business & Industry Review

2018

BECKER COUNTY

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Business & Industry Review A PUBLICATION BY DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

NEW DEVELOPMENTS JOBS & JOB TRAINING HEALTHCARE EDUCATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRANSPORTATION BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018 | 1

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Check our website for open positions!

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• Freightliner • Gardner Denver • GE • Graco • Honda • JLG • John Deere • Katcon • Kawasaki • Komatsu

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BTD services our customers out of four facilities nationwide.

These locations include: • Washington, Illinois • Detroit Lakes, Minnesota • Lakeville, Minnesota • Dawsonville, Georgia BTD differentiates itself in a competitive environment with exception to quality control, cost containment, innovation and rapid delivery. We invest in our people, our equipment and our facilities to offer our clients the best value possible.

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BECKER COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES www.co.becker.mn.us/dept/environmental_services • 218-846-7310

Becker County Solid Waste Facility

Becker County Osage Solid Waste Facility

24413 County Rd 144 • Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

23330 County Hwy 47 • Osage, MN 56570

HOURS: Monday 8-6 • Tuesday-Thursday 8-4:30 Friday 8-6 • Saturday 8-12

HOURS: Saturday 9-1 (all year) Tuesday Summer Hours: (April-Oct.) 3-6 pm Tuesday Winter Hours: (Nov.-March) Closed on Tuesdays

218-847-6382

ACCEPTING:

218-573-3534

FREE (Limits apply): Used Oil, Appliances, Passenger Vehicle Tires, Scrap Metal, Fluorescent Bulbs, Hardcover Books, Ink Cartridges, Christmas Lights & Extension Type Cords.

(Items will be recycled) FOR A FEE: Electronics, Household Garbage, Demolition Debris, Farm/Commercial Tires.

Now recycling concrete and clean asphalt shingles: accepted at reduced rate

Public Recycling

RECYCLING For locations or info-check out our web site or contact our office 218-846-7310

• CORRUGATED CARDBOARD • PAPER-newspaper, pop & cereal boxesflattened, office paper, magazines, phonebooks, paperback books • METAL CANS - Aluminum, tin, scrap metal • GLASS BOTTLES - All colors • PLASTIC (#1 -#7) FYI: Separated Recycling Benefit: Less contamination =increased redemption value; processing costs are lower while keeping material out of the landfill.

Challenge: have to separate & haul to public site.

Curbside Recycling In the City Limits of: Detroit Lakes • Audubon Frazee • Lake Park

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Paper, Cardboard, Cartons, Metal Cans, & Plastic (#1-#7) no glass & no plastic bags If you are a HOUSEHOLD or BUSINESS & would like to begin commingled recycling, Call your waste hauler or check the Becker County website for more information.

FYI: Curbside Commingled Recycling Benefit: Recycling volumes increase due to convenience; easier & more cost effective to collect.

Challenge: Contamination of products; (i.e. glass shards) & processing costs are increased.

BECKER COUNTY HAZARDOUS WASTE (HW) FACILITY Households may drop off hazardous waste at the Transfer Station during regular business hours.

Now Accepting Business & Agricultural Hazardous Waste

By Appointment Only. Please call for details (218) 846-7310.

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3 Miles North of Detroit Lakes on Hwy. 59, and 1/4 Mile West on County Road 144 (First Driveway East of the Transfer Station) 218-847-9664 • OPEN: Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm (April-October)

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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

WELCOME INDEX

BY MARIE JOHNSON Signs of economic growth and development were spread out across the Detroit Lakes area this past year, with a number of new businesses opening up shop, existing businesses expanding, the airport project taking off, and the city making headway on its future plans for the beachfront.

In this edition of our annual Business & Industry Review, we stick true to the “review” part of the name and offer a look back at many of the new businesses and commercial construction projects that caught our attention in 2017. From the new Fairfield Inn and Suites across from the City Beach to the remodeling project at Zorbaz, we give a peek at more than 20 noteworthy signs of growth. One major remodeling project -- Lakeshirts’ very visible expansion and exterior facelift -gets a closer look.

We also touch on how the runway expansion at the Detroit Lakes-Becker County Airport will positively impact business, and we review the city’s preliminary development plans for the future of the City Beach and Park area along West Lake Drive. In addition, we examine the current labor market in the area, and explore how our local community and technical college, M State, is helping today’s students choose the right fields to meet local job market demands.

As always, we’ve also included information on the essential resources that are available to entrepreneurs and others in Detroit Lakes and beyond, from major healthcare facilities to schools, transportation, and organizations that support businesses and business owners.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS 6 Signs of growth around DL:

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More than 25 businesses expand or build Lakeshirts gets a major facelift The next wave of DL’s beachfront Airport improvements good for business

RESOURCES

JOBS & JOB TRAINING

26 Healthcare:

One town, three systems 30 Education: Schools in the DL area 34 Economic Development: Starting a business, boosting a business 38 Transportation: Options to get here, there and everywhere

20 Jobs aplenty in

Becker County 22 M State helps students find the right field

DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS 511 Washington Avenue Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 218.847.3151 www.dl-online.com

MELISSA SWENSON publisher MARIE JOHNSON magazine editor SARA LEITHEISER creative manager VIOLA ANDERSON circulation manager

SPECIAL SECTION TO THE TRIBUNE WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018

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BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018 | 5

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Signs of economic growth

in and around Detroit Lakes

story by marie johnson

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The new Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union in Detroit Lakes. Marie Johnson

igns of growth were evident across Detroit Lakes over the past year, with more than 25 businesses expanding or building in the area. Several new businesses put down roots here in 2017, while numerous existing businesses celebrated major upgrades, remodels or other improvements. Following is a review of this proof of progress.

MID-MINNESOTA CREDIT UNION Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union in Detroit Lakes started its major construction project in the fall of 2017, building a new 6,300-square-foot facility near Menards on Highway 10 to replace its smaller building downtown. The new location will be full-service and include a three-lane drive-up teller and 24-hour ATM, as well as house eight offices, a conference room and spacious transaction area.

FOUR SEASONS CAR WASH This car wash on Richwood Road in

Derek Parks, General Manager of the Four Seasons Car wash, stands at the entrance of the new Premium car wash. Tribune File Photo

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northeast Detroit Lakes upgraded its wash in September, going above and beyond by installing a Premium wash experience with a dual conveyor belt -- the first-ever to be installed in Minnesota. The new system cuts wait times dramatically, while giving a better wash overall. The upgrades also included some new dryers, which promise to get vehicles completely dry, an important feature in winter.

A few salons in Detroit Lakes experienced growth in 2017, including Shear Grace, pictured above left, which made a move and remodeled, nearly doubling in size. The new Taco John’s, above and the new facility at Swansons’ Repair, below left.

TACO JOHN’S The Detroit Lakes branch of this Mexican-inspired fast food franchise relocated to a larger and more prominent site downtown this past winter. When interviewed in January, owner Kari Melbostad said business at the new location was strong and steady. The restaurant completely gutted and rebuilt the old Holiday Station store at the corner of Frazee Street and McKinley Avenue to suit its needs; it had formerly shared a space with Subway on Highway 10.

employees were hired in light of the expansion.

SWANSON’S REPAIR This third-generation Detroit Lakes family business built a brand new, 8,400-square-foot facility to house a rental store and new line of Kubota tractors and other lawn and farm equipment. The new store has a large shop area and spaces for working on small engines, chainsaws and Kubotas.

It’s located right next to Swanson’s Randolph Road repair shop, which continues handle Bobcat repairs. Several

SHEAR GRACE A move next door and a big renovation more than doubled the space at Shear Grace Salon in Detroit Lakes this past September, allowing the business to offer more services and take on more customers. Owner Shawna Willson and her husband led the major remodel of the building’s interior, and got moved over within a couple of months. Shear Grace is now located at 1034 Highway 59 South.

THE NINES KIDS Located just across the street from her women’s clothing store, The Nines, on Washington Avenue in Detroit Lakes, owner Lauren Zima opened The Nines Kids this past fall to provide a fun place for kids to shop and put outfits together. The store has clothing, accessories, shoes, gifts and other goodies for boys and girls from infants all the way up to tweens.

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This 69-room, (above) four-story hotel (with nine condos on the top floor) opened in July across from the City Beach. The Hub 41 bar and restaurant (left) opened last summer, catering to a casual beach crowd as well as those out for a special occasion. Tribune File Photos ated the Detroit Lakes store through three generations. The former Dean’s was renamed Central Market and slightly remodeled in light of the business change.

SANFORD EYE CENTER This optical center in Detroit Lakes completed a significant expansion last spring, making room for additional exam rooms and a second full-time optometrist. Newcomer Dr. Joy Quitberg joined longtime optometrist Dr. Armand Radke, helping to cut down on the wait time patients were experiencing to get in to the popular eye center.

CENTRAL MARKET The owners of Detroit Lakes’ Central Market, the Lofberg family, expanded their reach and opened another grocery store -- this one in the nearby town of Perham -- last spring with the purchase of the former Dean’s Country Market.

The Lofbergs have successfully oper-

MAGNOLIA’S FAMILY HAIR DESIGN Maggie Schmit opened this salon more than 20 years ago and has since moved around a few times to accommodate her changing needs and growing business. Last spring, she moved again, to a bigger space in the old Pronails building on Washington Avenue. The larger building means more room for additional services, such as eyelash extensions and massage therapy.

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FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES This 69-room, four-story hotel (with nine condos on the top floor), located across from the Detroit Lakes City Beach, opened in July. Operating as a Marriott franchise, the $12 million facility features an indoor swimming pool, exercise room, valet laundry service and other amenities.

HUB 41 This modern bar and restaurant opened last summer on West Lake Drive, right across the street from Detroit Lake. Designed to cater to a more casual, beachfront crowd as well as those looking for a place to spend a special occasion, the restaurant features unique menu items, a to-go option and outdoor seating when the weather’s nice.

The bar has several different varieties of beer on tap.

LONG PINE ESTATES This new three-phase, single-family housing development is in the works just west of Detroit Lakes, on Longview Drive. The first phase of the develop-

TEAM was the dream of founder Don Ricke, and his wife, Beatrice. In 1967, Don and Bea started Motek Engineering and Manufacturing in Cambridge, Minnesota within a 5,000 sq. ft. facility. The name has since been changed to TEAM Industries and today over 1,000 employees operate out of 7 facilities with over 800,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and office space.

50 years later, TEAM is still a family-owned, family-led business and remains the largest non-captive provider of design solutions in the markets we serve.

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BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018 | 9

ment kicked off in September, and has proved popular with its 16 heavily-treed lots located on a dead-end road. That first phase is expected to take about two years to complete; at that point, 20-lot phase two will begin, and then phase three, which will be another 20 lots. An array of home floor plans are available to lot purchasers.

ZORBAZ The Detroit Lakes flagship of this regional bar and restaurant chain began working on an interior and exterior remodeling project this past year. The business, which has been a mainstay on the City Beach for about 50 years, is looking to the future with a significant exterior facelift. The front entrance is being remodeled, while the kitchen has been expanded and upgraded.

A construction crew works on the updated front entrance to Zorbaz in mid-April. Marie Johnson/Tribune A mom and daughter (right) get in the spirit at Shorewood Yoga, a new studio that opened last May. McKinley Nutrition, (below) located in the McKinley Plaza, sells a wide variety of Herbalife products.

Tribune File Photo

THE RUSTIC PIECE This rustic-themed furniture and decor store opened on Lake Avenue in Detroit Lakes in June. Featuring everchanging inventory and original pieces by designer and builder Darian Schur, The Rustic Piece sells unique shelving units, chairs, tables, wine racks, signs and other home accents. Customers can also request custom pieces. All of the wood used at the shop is reclaimed.

McKinley Nutrition is considered a member and is able to get an individual, personalized consultation to find out which products might best fit their lifestyle.

MCKINLEY NUTRITION This nutrition club opened in McKinley Plaza in May and has since been serving Herbalife teas, shakes, supplements and other products to customers who report feeling healthier and more energetic. Everyone who visits

SHOREWOOD YOGA Sisters Kristal and Kilee Kadrie began offering classes at their comfy new garage loft (and, weather permitting, rooftop) yoga studio in May, and have continued to offer classes year-round, as well as ayurveda consultations (ayurve-

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da is one of the world’s oldest holistic medicinal practices). Located at 190 Shorewood Drive, fresh breezes waft in off the lake, birds chirp from the surrounding trees and natural light streams in through the two walls of windows.

BODY ESSENTIALS BY KAT Kathleen Clark, better known as Kat, began her journey as a professional massage therapist this past May. She offers a variety of massage types, from prenatal to geriatric, hot stone to deep tissue, as well as pediatric, from a space at Ambience Salon in Detroit Lakes.

T-MOBILE This retail store opened in the strip mall behind Payless Shoes on Highway 10 last spring. Owner Jordan Van Maanan has a longtime love of technology. He also owns a T-Mobile in Baxter, Minn., and is hoping to open about 20 more stores within the next few years.

T-Mobile is a wireless dealer offering cell phones, data plans, internet devices and accessories.

PAPACITO’S After finding success in Perham, the owners of this build-your-own-burrito joint opened a second location in Detroit Lakes’ McKinley Plaza last spring. Similar to a Chipotle but with a more intimate, locally-owned feel, Papacito’s offers generous portions and fast service on its menu of tacos, burritos, loaded baked potatoes and more.

ABSOLUTE ICE Two local boys, Pat Schons and Randy Gravelle, opened this 11,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art ice-making plant in the Detroit Lakes Industrial Park last spring. The company supplies five, 10 and 20-pound bags of ice, as well as block ice, with the goal of never letting their customers run out. They also offer ice transport trailers for people hosting special events in the area. Absolute Ice has the potential to produce 100,000 pounds of ice per day.

Local owners of Absolute Ice, Pat Schons and Randy Gravelle, stand in their ice plant in the Detroit Lakes Industrial Park. Tribune File Photo REPURPOSED PENNIES Opened by local woman Penny Willette a couple of years ago, this antique and thrift store was moved next door to its old location last spring for its added square footage and separate back rooms that can be rented out to consignors. Repurposed Pennies sells a variety of repurposed and secondhand goods; it is located in SuLaine’s Antique Mall on Highway 10 in Detroit Lakes.

HOLIDAY GAS STATION The community was ‘pumped’ when this brand new $5 million gas station and car wash opened last February -right across the street from its old location on Frazee Street East. The expanded facility has a bigger cooler section,

larger coffee and drink area, more food selections, a seating area and additional gas pumps, among other improvements over the former facility.

THE FLUFFY PUPPY Located at 603 Highway 10 in Detroit Lakes, The Fluffy Puppy offers pet grooming services like baths, nail trimming and ear cleaning, haircuts and more. Opened last winter, owner Aileen Horne has years of experience in grooming, and a passion for animals. Her shop has the latest and greatest in pet grooming gadgets, including a hydraulic grooming table and high-speed dryer.

The community was ‘pumped’ when the new Holiday Station Store opened last February.

Tribune File Photo

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NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Making an impact Lakeshirts’ new exterior, expanded customer service areas create strong first impression

Lakeshirts’ new exterior facade; some finishing details were still being worked on when this photo was taken in mid-April. The building is easily visible from Highway 10 on the east end of Detroit Lakes.

Marie Johnson/ Tribune

story by vicki gerdes

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t’s been roughly 34 years since Detroit Lakes’ own Mark Fritz and Mike Hutchinson first began printing custom t-shirt designs in the basement of Mark’s parents’ home, under the brand name of Lakeshirts.

Since then, the longtime friends and business partners have become a genuine homegrown success story, building their brand into a multi-million dollar business that markets its products all over the world and employs roughly 500 people, housed in a seven-building, 300,000-square-foot complex located in the heart of their hometown’s industrial park on Randolph Road.

That complex is now in the final stages of a $10 million-plus, multiphase remodeling and expansion project that began in 2012 – but it is the most recent improvements that have been the most readily visible, to both Lakeshirts customers and local residents.

About five years ago, the company began expanding its production and warehouse facilities, freeing up about 13,500 square feet of space to house

Lakeshirts’ management team, which includes (from left) Mike Hutchinson, Michelle Daggett and Dan Hagen, is proud of the improvements to the employees’ cafeteria and break room area, which includes a full-size kitchen and fun innovations like a swirly slide leading down from the upper level. Vicki Gerdes / Tribune

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The expanded showroom inside Lakeshirts. a full-size cafeteria, kitchen and break room area for its employees.

“We’ve continued remodeling each of our departments over the past two years,” Hutchinson said. “That project culminated in a new exterior facade and entryway that everyone can now see… it became our main focal point.”

The new front entrance includes a fireplace and displays of Lakeshirts memorabilia; the decor carries out the theme of using broad-cut pine planking and old-fashioned rolled tin siding that has highlighted Lakeshirts’ extensive remodel.

“It’s supposed to have a sort of resort-like, relaxed feel,” Hutchinson said – an upscaled version of Lakeshirts’ original beachfront store, if you will.

The new facade, which is nearly complete, matches the one that was added to the adjacent Doghouse Dyeworks building a couple of years ago as part of the same project, Hutchinson added. It ties the two buildings together and creates a much stronger visual impact, for customers new and old as well as people simply driving past their entrance.

And that’s not all: Lakeshirts’ customer showroom has also been expanded to roughly three times its original size, says Lakeshirts president Michelle Daggett.

“We bring in a number of our customers to get their feedback on what we can do better,” she said, “as well as showing them some examples of how they might display the merchandise in

The new reception area inside Lakeshirts’ main entrance includes a fireplace flanked by comfortable seating for customers. Vicki Gerdes / Tribune their stores, with the hope that they can increase their sales. Building mutually beneficial relationships is key to our success.”

The expanded showroom offers not only work spaces for clients to meet with Lakeshirts artists, designers and other members of their creative team, but also a much greater ability to display their ever-increasing array of customized apparel, which includes garments, hats and even stickers.

“We have over 100 body styles and hundreds of color options that we stock in our warehouse,” Daggett said, “and well over 100,000 different designs.”

Those designs and styles are produced by a creative team that includes

more than 50 artists, both in-house and freelance, who are housed in a much larger art department; customer service, operations, sales and production have all been expanded as well, she added.

“As our sales have increased, we needed the additional space,” Hutchinson said.

With the latest expansion, they wanted to find a way to improve the aesthetics as well as make it easier to move between different areas of the Lakeshirts complex.

“We’ve added onto our building so many times, the offices kind of became a maze,” Hutchinson said. “We wanted to find a way to tie everything together and improve the flow overall.”

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The next wave of DL’s lakefront West Lake Drive development plan seeks to make one of the city’s greatest assets even greater

story & photos by vicki gerdes

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his was the question posed to Detroit Lakes residents, public officials and business owners at a series of public input meetings, focus group gatherings and open houses held over the past year – ever since the Detroit Lakes City Council decided to commission RDG Planning & Design to create a plan for development of the West Lake Drive corridor, extending from Washington Avenue west to Legion Road.

The West Lake Drive study is part of an overall update to the city’s 2009 Business Corridor Plan, which was also the work of RDG. Back in 2008, the council com-

missioned RDG to develop the plan in response to a major realignment of Highway 10 through the city’s downtown. The realignment opened up some land near downtown, providing an opportunity for redevelopment; to capitalize on this situation, RDG undertook a study that would provide a vision for future development in the downtown area, to guide public and private decisions regarding downtown redevelopment.

Since the study’s adoption in 2009, the City Council, Community Development Commission, Detroit Lakes Development Authority, Planning Commission and private developers have made sig-

West Lake Drive and the Detroit Lakes beachfront have been targeted as the focus of future development by the city council. Tribune File Photo 14 | BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018

nificant progress in achieving its goals, with the development of Downtown Crossing, the Veterans Memorial Park, McKinley Plaza, Washington Avenue reconstruction, Highway 59 underpass/ Holmes Street extension, the new Fairfield Inn & Suites, and other, less visible improvements.

“The city’s Business Corridor Plan has resulted in a lot of good things,” says Detroit Lakes Community Development Director Larry Remmen — but the council felt the time had come for an update.

“It’s 10 years old now,” added City Administrator Kelcey Klemm. “The council wanted to update the 2009 study,

1. West End Mixed-Use 2. Lakeview Development 3. Proposed Rossman Park 4. Lakeside Mixed Use 5. Pavilion Reconstruction 6. Clubhouse 7. Possible MIxed-Use Development 8. Neighborhood Preservation

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PROJECTS

Artist’s rendition of what a new Pavilion and improved beach area might look like on the east end of the mile-long Detroit Lakes City Beach.

A. Trail Connection to Dunton Locks B. New Peoples Trail C. New Street D. Forest Street Extension E. Fairgrounds Promenade F. Parking Reconfiguration G. People’s Street Extension H. West Lake Drive Pathway & North Side Walk I. Beachfront Walk J. Parking Structure (2-Level) K. Expanded Parking L. Langford/Forest Street Realignment i. Non-motorized Boat Launch ii. Possible Boat Launch Relocation Graphic by RDG Planning and Design

Artist’s rendition of a new multi-use trail along a streetscaped West Lake Drive. with a focus on developing the beachfront and West Lake Drive. Both the council and development authority view that area as one of this community’s outstanding assets… They wanted to know, ‘How do we maximize that asset so it’s attractive for visitors, and a good place to live year-round?’”

So they went to the community for help. Specifically, said RDG Consultant Cory Scott, the city wanted to know what its residents and business people would like to see with regard to the West Lake Drive corridor: “What they like, what they don’t they like, what

With the Becker County Fairgrounds in the background, an artist’s rendition of mixed-use development replacing older cabin-style motels and houses on West Lake Drive.

would they change — they wanted to try to be proactive rather than reactive regarding what the transformation of that corridor would look like.”

So over the course of the past year, the council and RDG have provided a variety of different ways for the public to offer that input – which, according to Scott, was directly used in the development of the plan.

Scott presented a draft of that plan to the Detroit Lakes Development Authority at a special meeting on March 22; the development authority gave its stamp of approval to the document,

which then became available for public review and comment.

A copy of the plan is available online at www.plandetroitlakes.com. Once given final approval, the West Lake Drive plan will then become part of the city’s updated Comprehensive Plan, which was given a similar review by the Planning Commission, also in March.

That document, while not set in stone, “will provide guidance for zoning decisions and improvements to our infrastructure, as well as how to encourage private development,” Remmen said.

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Development possibilities for West Lake Drive ► A wider sidewalk along the beach, a multi-use trail along the side of the street, and added green space, small parks and streetscaping amenities. ► A two-level parking deck could stretch across most of the existing Lakeside Tavern parking lot and replace the Holiday Haven motel.

A mixed-use project would line the front of the parking deck next to Lakeside Tavern, with a rooftop deck that overlooks the lake. Special features like awnings, gooseneck lighting and quality materials would help the parking deck blend in with its surroundings. ► Further west, three or four large “mixed use” complexes that combine retail shops and housing could replace older cabin-style motels, a coin laundry and individual houses.

► The city bath houses on Rossman and Legion Road could be remodeled or replaced, with enhancements like splash pads for kids at the Legion and Pavilion sites. ► The Becker County Fairgrounds could be redeveloped into something like a new neighborhood or conferenceevent center. ► Years down the road, the American Legion campground could be redeveloped into a new neighborhood, a hotel and conference center, community school, or multi-family housing. ► The city boat launch off Rossman Avenue could be closed to motorized boats (while remaining open for nonmotorized watercraft). A new launch for motorized boats could be located to an area near the bathhouse on the Pavilion end of the beach.

► The Pavilion, which is slowly sinking on one end, could be torn down and replaced, using some of the original elements in an aesthetic way. ► The Washington Ballpark (which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places) could be restored and preserved, while a corner plaza is added and the grandstands relocated. Or, it could be replaced with a mixed use development—retail on the bottom and housing on the top, built along Washington Avenue with parking behind.

These are just some highlights from the proposed plan, which was not final at the time Business & Industry went to print. The full plan is available online at www.plandetroitlakes.com.

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BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018 | 17

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NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Spectators at a past Water Carnival Fly-In Breakfast look over a small helicopter parked at the Detroit Lakes-Becker County Airport for the event.

File photo

Airport improvements will be for good business story by nathan bowe

W

ith the runway expansion at the Detroit Lakes-Becker County Airport, the area will have one more tool in its economic development toolbox.

The longer runway is projected to more than double the number of aircraft using the airport, from fewer than 400 to more than 850 each year.

Like the City Beach, the Detroit Lakes Community Center and the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, the improved airport will only help attract people and businesses to the area, said Mark Hagen, who sits on the Airport Commission.

“This airport is part of the fabric of Detroit Lakes,” he said. “It’s part of what

we offer here.”

An airport suitable for business aircraft can have an impact on who comes to visit, and whether they decide to invest in the area, he said.

“More companies are looking at pointto-point air travel – it cuts travel time down considerably,” Hagen said.

Company owners or representatives that have publicly supported the airport project include SJE Rhombus, United Parcel Service, Pro Resources, Friesen’s, Daggett Trucking, Modern Plumbing and Heating, Lakeshirts, Herzog Roofing, Marco, Sherbrooke Turf, the mayors of Detroit Lakes and Frazee, SMT Health Corp., Hamilton Enterprises West and

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Essentia Health-St Mary’s, and others.

“Vendors or customers visiting our facilities here in Becker County, medical flights, visitors to our area for recreation, businesses that are looking to expand to our area, or UPS overnight service, all may well need a longer runway,” they wrote in a 2016 letter to the city council and county board.

“We are extremely concerned the lack of an adequate airport could harm our business and tourism relationships in the future … If the runway cannot be extended those aircraft would be forced to land in Fargo, Fergus Falls, or Park Rapids. The airport is a valuable part of the transportation infrastructure serving the Becker

County area.”

When doing business in Detroit Lakes, larger corporations like Con-Agra have had to fly into Fergus Falls and transport their people by van to Detroit Lakes, Hagen said. That didn’t allow the Detroit Lakes area to put its best foot forward.

The airport plan, which has been approved by the city and the county, is to widen and extend the runway while also moving it 1,000 feet away from Highway 10 and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway corridor.

Under the plan, the 4,500-foot runway will expand to 5,200 feet, and a parallel taxiway will run its entire length.

The $18 million project involves about a mile of pavement and a half-mile safety zone clearance on either end of the runway.

“Getting over 5,000 feet makes a big difference; it makes a huge difference for jets and turbo-prop planes,” Hagen said, adding that airports in most cities the size of Detroit Lakes, and many smaller ones in northwestern Minnesota, have runways of at least 5,000 feet.

And it isn’t just the longer runway. A new approach lighting and avionics system at the airport “will allow for lower minimums once the runway is completed,” Hagen said.

Work started last fall on the full length taxiway extension project, which is a key safety improvement – especially in foul weather, Hagen said. Currently, the taxiway only extends half the length of the runway, requiring planes to taxi partway down the runway itself.

Federal and state funds are expected to pay 95 percent of the project cost, while city and county funds will cover the rest.

The project timeline, from 2017 to 2020, is tied to the city’s new wastewater treatment plant. The city continues to use the open land at the airport for wastewater irrigation and treatment in warm weather, and will need to do so until 2019 or 2020.

A World War II-era airplane’s propellers made a swirling contrail around the aircraft as it took off from the Detroit Lakes-Becker County Airport during a past Water Carnival Fly-In Breakfast. Tribune file photo BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018 | 19

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

JOBS & JOB TRAINING

I & B

Jobs still easy to come by in the Becker County area Employers face frustration as the labor market holds tight story by marie johnson

I

t continues to be an employee job market in the Becker County area.

With more open jobs than there are people looking for work, businesses face frustrations in finding qualified candidates to hire. For some companies, even just one job vacancy means money lost for every day that position remains unfilled.

As of the fourth quarter of 2017, there were 4,058 open jobs in the West Central region of Minnesota, according to the latest figures available from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The West Central region includes Becker County and eight other surrounding counties. At the same time, there were 3,757 unemployed people looking for work.

This means that even if every unemployed person looking for work applied for and was hired into a position that suited him or her -- an unlikely scenario -- there would still be 301 positions left unfilled.

The situation is a good thing for job seekers, who can find work more readily, face less competition for open positions, and have more room to negotiate their pay and benefits. The highest numbers of vacancies at the end of 2017 were in

healthcare, food prep and serving, sales, production, office and administrative work and transportation.

“There’s obviously a lot of opportunity in the area right now,” said Chet Bodin, DEED’s Northwestern Minnesota regional analyst. “There are vacancies in multiple industries.”

Bodin said the region has been seeing record numbers of job openings in recent months. West Central Minnesota has a high percentage of senior residents, and Bodin told the Tribune in December that retirees leaving the workforce has contributed to employers here having “a ton of jobs to fill.”

In the fourth quarter of 2017, the ratio of job seekers per open job hit 0.9 to 1, its lowest point since at least 2005.

However, in a bit of good news for business, the labor force as a whole is going up. The labor market in Becker County increased by 756 workers from January 2017 to January 2018, a 4 percent increase.

“That’s a good sign,” said Bodin. “We are seeing an increase in the labor force statewide, so that means the labor supply is going up, so employers have a little bit more choice. There’s a little more competition than there was.”

20 | BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018

According to a 2017 Regional Profile report by DEED, the regional labor market has expanded by 12.5 percent since the year 2000, adding about 14,000 workers to total 125,683 in 2016. As of February 2018, the total labor force in Becker County was 19,113.

The whole population of Becker County is growing, with the county gaining more than 3,700 people since 2000 -- placing it among the top 25 fastest growing counties in the state. That gain is part of a longer-term trend across the region, where the population has increased by nearly 50,000 people since 1950.

Despite this population growth and the recent growth in the labor force, DEED projects a slight drop in workforce numbers over the next decade, and foresees that the West Central labor market will only get tighter in years to come as more people retire and new jobs are added in the region. The West Central region is expected to gain nearly 9,250 new jobs by 2024, and will also need to fill 61,000 replacement openings left vacant by retirements and other career changes.

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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

JOBS & JOB TRAINING

Finding the right field M State adjusts programs to match students with good jobs story by nathan bowe

T

he job market changes over time, and to stay relevant, Minnesota State Community & Technical College (M State) occasionally drops or modifies fields of study and adds new ones.

It no longer offers courses in neon sign manufacture and repair, for example, or auto body repair, and has absorbed its standalone marine engines program into its power sports program.

At the same time, it adds new options – the most recent being the medical assistant program.

“We look at how sustainable a program is, and whether it’s best to offer a credit program or a non-credit program, like workforce training,” said Steve Erickson, M State’s dean of institutional effectiveness and technical programs, who is based in Detroit Lakes.

As with many medical fields, there is a big demand for medical assistants, especially in rural clinics, since they are trained

Ron Merrill of Frazee works on welding a corner joint in M State’s welding trailer in Detroit Lakes, when the trailer was new several years ago. The trailer was built to address a shortage of trained welders in the area. Tribune file photo 22 | BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018

I & B

The sign says it all. Programs are occasionally adjusted to better fit the job market. Tribune file photo to handle both administrative and basic medical tasks – everything from registering patients and handling health insurance paperwork to taking patient vitals and drawing blood.

“We’re trying to get our medical assistant program off the ground,” Erickson said.

Right now, he’s looking for a program director – somebody well-grounded in the field. He hopes to have the program available this fall.

M State doesn’t just drop or add programs on a whim, however. Erickson said there are several factors taken into consideration before a program is dropped: Is student demand strong or weak?

What is the projected job outlook for graduates – such as the number of job openings, and pay statistics. In general, Erickson said, “is the field still strong or

is it weakening?” is one of the main criteria used.

The college also considers how expensive the program is to operate.

Fields that require heavy equipment or highly-skilled instructors generally cost more for the college to operate.

That’s why M State often looks to a corporate sponsor to help with start-up costs. Sanford Health, for example, is interested in the new medical assistant program and will likely hire many of its graduates, Erickson said.

Sometimes a business that needs specialized workers – say, electrical engineering technicians – will approach M State about starting a program.

If the college determines that it’s just too much of a niche field to justify a full-blown program, it may offer a notfor-college-credit workforce training pro-

gram instead. That way, the company can find existing employees to step up and learn the skills needed for vacant jobs.

Businesses pay for the workforce training, which has become a growing service offered by M State. Its mobile welding classroom, set up in a semi trailer, is seeing frequent use, and with the help of a $2.5 million federal grant, the college is adding three more such mobile classrooms, offering training in construction safety, precision manufacturing and commercial driving.

Federal money has started to flow into new apprenticeship-type programs at colleges, which combine technical education classes with on-the-job experience.

“There’s still some class time, but also some time out on the job,” Erickson

BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018 | 23

said. “It’s really important to get students out working – apprenticeships could be an option, especially in fields where it’s difficult for us to make the finances work.”

Under a regular for-credit program, the college must provide all the equipment and teaching expertise. With an apprenticeship, the student goes to work and learns on the equipment there, supervised by workers already skilled in the trade.

The Minnesota Department of Education has to sign off before M State can start a new educational program.

“If we want to offer a degree, we have to go through the state system,” Erickson said. “They want to know the viability of the program – so do we, of course.”

To find that out, Erickson looks at information such as job openings in the field, projected through Department of Employment and Economic Development data; the typical experience level needed for new hires; salary and wages paid, and typical level of education needed.

“We look at competition, and the state also looks at that,” Erickson said.

In this case, the closest college that offers a medical assistant program is Central Lakes College in Brainerd, more than 90 miles away, so competition isn’t an issue.

Steve Erickson is M State’s dean of institutional effectiveness and technical programs. He is based in Detroit Lakes. Submitted photo

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Sometimes even close competition isn’t a problem.

“If there’s a huge industry demand, then it doesn’t always matter if there’s an identical program 40 miles down the road,” he said.

All of M State’s programs have industry advisory committees, with professionals who let the college know what’s happening out on the job.

“Sometimes that leads to new courses, sometimes to new fields of study,” Erickson said.

For M State, it’s all about serving its students and keeping on top of the changing needs of the job market, he added.

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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

HEALTHCARE

I B&

Three systems, one town

T

he face of healthcare has been changing in Detroit Lakes in recent years, as all three healthcare systems that have a strong presence in the community have been branching out, offering new services, new providers and expanded facilities.

ESSENTIA HEALTH Essentia Health St. Mary’s of Detroit Lakes, one of Essentia Health’s many Catholic healthcare facilities, is an 87-bed acute-care facility. It supports primary and select secondary patient

services, including a 12-bed women’s unit with six labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum rooms and six postpartum or post-operation rooms, three operating rooms, 24-hour anesthetist services, imaging services including CT, MRI and digital mammography and laboratory services. It offers emergency services and also operates the Oak Crossing assisted living facility. It is a designated Level III Trauma Center and an Acute Stroke-Ready Center, and is accredited by the Joint Commission and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Essential Health hosts a clinic, hospital, emergency room and pharmacy in town.

26 | BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018

Sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica monastery of Duluth, Minn., Essentia Health-St. Mary’s has provided more than $6.3 million in community benefit programs and services since 2016. Investments in its Detroit Lakes-based facilities over the past decade total $80 million. Its regional economic impact is approximately $160 million annually.

Headquartered in Duluth, Essentia Health serves patients in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Idaho. It combines the strengths and talents of

The Edith Sanford Breast Center at Sanford Health’s Detroit Lakes clinic began offering 3D mammography screening to its patients in July. Pictured with the new 3D mammography imaging machine are Erin Swyter, left, radiology supervisor at the clinic, and Jenny Lessman, obstetrics and gynecology physician’s assistant. Tribune File Photo about 15,000 employees, including more than 1,900 physicians and advanced practitioners, who serve patients and communities through the mission of being called to make a healthy difference in people’s lives.

Essentia Health is guided by the values of quality, hospitality, respect, joy, justice, stewardship, and teamwork. The organization delivers on its promise to be “Here With You” in 15 hospitals, 75 clinics, six long-term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, three independent living facilities, five ambulance services and one research institute.

Essentia Health was originally formed in January 2004 through a partnership of the Benedictine Health System and SMDC Health System. In January 2008, Innovis Health joined Essentia and all of the hospitals and clinics owned by the Benedictine Health System were transferred to Essentia Community Hospitals

and Clinics. In the summer of 2010, Essentia brought together the SMDC Health System, Brainerd Lakes Health, Innovis Health, Essentia Community Hospitals and Clinics and the Essentia Institute of Rural Health.

SANFORD HEALTH The Sanford Health Detroit Lakes Clinic and Same-Day Surgery Center aims to keep patients as close to home as possible for the care and medical services they need. Medical services offered in Detroit Lakes include family medicine, cardiology, dermatology, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, optometry, podiatry, allergy and immunology, radiology, mammography, urology and more. The surgery center also ensures patients can stay in Detroit Lakes for select surgeries including orthopedic surgery, hand surgery, laparoscopic hysterectomy and more.

For everything from cuts and strains to flus and fevers, the local Sanford offers walk-in care without an appointment during regular clinic hours.

Patients may also schedule same-day appointments, or may request a video visit to see a healthcare provider from home or work. For non-urgent conditions like coughs or back pain, e-visits are available; just complete a questionnaire and a physician will respond with recommended treatment.

If patients aren’t sure where to best be seen, My Sanford Nurse is available 24/7, every day of the year, to assess symptoms and answer questions.

Another service offered is pharmaceutical prescription delivery. The Sanford Detroit Lakes Pharmacy offers prescription delivery right to the home.

It also has a free reminder service so patients won’t forget to refill their prescriptions.

BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018 | 27

Sanford Detroit Lakes has been growing in recent years, with the installation of a 3D mammography machine in 2017 (an even newer 3D imaging system will be operational by May 2018) and an expansion of the eye and optical center that same year. Occupational medicine services have also expanded.

Headquartered in the Midwest, Sanford has an international presence, with its newest clinics opening in Costa Rica, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and Vietnam. Sanford is involved in a number of clinical trials for both adult and pediatric patients, covering a variety of areas from cancer and diabetes to infectious disease and neurology.

ECUMEN Ecumen Detroit Lakes, formerly Emmanuel Community, has a reputation as an outstanding long-term care provider in the Detroit Lakes area. Ecumen offers a full continuum of care, includ-

ing independent housing, home care, memory care, skilled care, rehabilitation and transitional care.

With a person-centered approach and state-of-the-art technology, Ecumen provides integrated, coordinated delivery of health care across all settings in secure environments.

Ecumen’s on-campus nursing home has served the Lakes Area for more than a half century. Nestled in a residential neighborhood, residents benefit from innovative programs that promise security and comfort.

A range of health services are offered in independent apartments at Lamplighter Manor and The Madison, while memory care residents live in private suites in Ecumen’s Assisted Living facility. Comprehensive care and services are available as needed at The Cottage.

Residents have access to a wide array of rehabilitation services, social events and entertainment, chaplain-led worship

28 | BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018

services, nutritious meals, motivational and educational speakers, select support groups and more.

A therapy gym features a therapy pool with underwater treadmills, steam shower, private treatment exam rooms, a zero gravity system for enhanced assistance with ambulation, and an occupational therapy kitchen, bathroom and laundry center.

Ecumen also provides personalized palliative and end-of-life care.

Ecumen offers independent housing home care, memory care, skilled care, rehab and transitional care.

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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

EDUCATION

I B&

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest” – Benjamin Franklin

D

etroit Lakes and the surrounding communities offer both private and public elementary, middle and high schools, as well as a community college, to meet the educational needs of students of all ages.

MSTATE The Detroit Lakes campus of M State, also known as Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Detroit Lakes, began its operations in 1966 and has since been creating, enhancing and

redesigning programs that teach students the skills and knowledge employers want.

The M State system serves more than 8,000 students in credit courses each year on four campuses — including Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorhead and Wadena — as well as online. The system offers more than 70 career and liberal arts programs, including Associate of Arts transfer degrees, which allow students to complete their first two years of a four-year college degree program at M State.

The Detroit Lakes campus of MState has an entrepreneurial focus 30 | BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018

The Detroit Lakes campus has an entrepreneurial focus and offers a broad array of career programs that provide hands-on preparation for jobs in demand around Minnesota’s Lakes Country and the surrounding region.

Programs unique to Detroit Lakes include architectural drafting and design, civil engineering technology, business entrepreneurship, information technology, marine engine technology and powersports technology. The campus also continues to offer traditional two-year programs like nursing,

accounting, child care and education.

All of M State’s programs offer low faculty-to-student ratios, providing students with opportunities for one-on-one attention from instructors, along with high quality student support services that help foster academic success.

M State prides itself on its quality instructors, high employment rate among graduates, and community and workforce relationships that better prepare students for in-demand jobs.

The system’s motto is, “Start here, go anywhere!”

DETROIT LAKES SCHOOLS The Detroit Lakes Public School District is a conglomerate of five schools — Roosevelt Elementary, Rossman Elementary, Detroit Lakes Middle School, Detroit Lakes High School and the Lincoln Education Center.

The district’s mission is “to nurture and develop the full potential of all learners in an environment where lifelong learning is valued, excellence is expected and improvement is continuous.”

Improvements have been seen recently in the district’s iPad initiative, which put the devices in the hands of

students, and in the school board’s approval of a $2.2 million remodeling project at the middle school. That project will give the building a completely new exterior look as well as a new parking and pickup/drop off area; it is slated for completion by fall 2018.

The public school system offers a wide variety of opportunities for students, in the realms of academics as well as athletics, arts and other activities.

At the high school, for example, Advanced Placement courses enable students to get a jump start on their post-secondary educations. And the Area Learning Center provides an alternative educational space for those who struggle in a more traditional school setting. At the Lincoln Education Center, the district provides a full spectrum of early childhood and community education programs, including courses in technology, crafts and hobbies, driver’s education, youth enrichment activities and much more.

The Detroit Lakes area is also home to three parochial schools, including Holy Rosary Catholic School, Faith Christian School and Adventist Christian School.

These schools offer religious education

Detroit Lakes High School: proud home of the Lakers.

in addition to secular subjects like math and English.

FRAZEE-VERGAS SCHOOLS The Frazee-Vergas School District repeatedly boasts high test scores and is also well known for its top-notch wrestling team and Frazee Fly Girls Dance Team, both of which have strong recent histories of making it to state competitions.

The mission of Frazee-Vergas is “to provide quality education by promoting a safe and respectful environment which encourages the development of individual potential for lifelong learning in a diversified society.”

The district recently implemented a one-on-one technology initiative with iPads, and ramped up its course offerings.

BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018 | 31

The 2017 graduating class of Detroit Lakes High School.

Tribune file photo LAKE PARK-AUDUBON SCHOOLS This district has seen a lot of new construction in recent years, with the opening of a brand new high school as well as an expanded and remodeled elementary school. These changes have sparked

an increased interest in the district, and enrollment continues to rise.

According to the district’s belief statement, Lake Park-Audubon Public Schools believes “in providing challenging, engaging, and innovative programming

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for all students to prepare them for success in a changing world.” The district’s mission is to prepare students with the academic, social, and life skills necessary to succeed.

The district’s schools are located in

LAKES LIQUOR

two communities, with a K-6 building in Audubon and a 7-12 facility in Lake Park. The district is about a 35 minute drive from Fargo/Moorhead, and is surrounded by a thriving agricultural community and scenic Lakes Country.

WAUBUN-OGEMAWHITE EARTH SCHOOLS This rural school district serves approximately 650 students within 400-square-miles. Two schools, Ogema Elementary and Waubun High School, serve students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12.

In recent years, the district’s enrollment has been growing, its programs have been growing, and its student achievement has been growing. The district has recently boosted its early childhood program, added a gifted and talented program, and added an elementary STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) teacher and services. The district boasts an Ojibwe and Cultures educational program that begins in preschool and is taught throughout high school. Technology is also integrated throughout students’ educational careers.

Secondary students have College in the High School, Advanced Placement, Project Lead the Way, Career and Technical classes, and a strong foundation of core curriculum courses and essential electives.

The district is a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Systems) district that creates systems that support positive choices and results in a school positive culture.

The district prides itself on having high expectations and individual growth goals for every learner, with students, school staff and families working together as a team to achieve those goals.

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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

I & B

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Starting a business, boosting a business

D

ETROIT LAKES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY The Detroit Lakes Development Authority was established in 1985 to carry out economic and industrial development and redevelopment within the city of Detroit Lakes.

It is a public enterprise that works closely with the private sector on economic and industrial expansion activities, attempting to create jobs and broaden the community’s tax base by encouraging private industry to locate or expand into Detroit Lakes.

Governed by a seven-member board of commissioners who serve 6-year terms, the development authority has a full kit of economic development tools available, including: ► Revolving Loan Funds. These low interest loan funds are intended to help new or existing industrial or retail busi-

nesses become established or expand. ► Facade Improvement Loan Program. This program is designed to provide low interest financing to building and business owners in downtown Detroit Lakes for upgrades and improvements to building exteriors. Loans are available in the amount of up to $20,000, or 50 percent of the total project cost. ► Micro Loans. The purpose of this program is to provide low interest matching loans of less than $20,000 to assist small business owners with development or expansion. ► Tax Increment Financing. Otherwise known as TIF, or tax abatement assistance, this public financing method is used as a subsidy for redevelopment, infrastructure and other communityimprovement projects.

34 | BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018

Local resources to meet your needs

WEST CENTRAL INITIATIVE This regional community foundation in west central Minnesota serves nine counties, including Becker County.

The initiative works to strengthen the local, regional and state economy in order to sustain families and help them fulfill their aspirations. One of the primary ways the initiative does this is by fostering and supporting the creation and retention of quality jobs and selfemployment opportunities.

West Central Initiative’s Business Development program offers several types of loans, plus indirect consulting services to regional businesses. It’s considered a “gap” lender in the industry, funding 10-40 percent of the total financing need for qualified applicants.

The initiative’s loan programs typically supplement or complement conventional financing — not competing with

The Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation is a unique nonprofit headquartered in Detroit Lakes that provides capital resources and innovative ideas to help businesses and communities succeed throughout the Midwest. Marie Johnson /Tribune local banks, but helping the financing package succeed for the prospective business or the existing firm to expand.

The initiative does not participate in projects that can be financed entirely by traditional sources.

BECKER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Becker County’s economic development department offers a full range of programs for new or expanding businesses, including business subsidy assistance as well as: ► PACE. The Property Assessed Clean Energy program is a way to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades for commercial buildings. Energy-saving measures pursued by the owners receive project financing and are repaid as a separate item on their property tax assessments for a set period. PACE eliminates the burden of upfront costs by providing low-cost, long-term financing. ► Employer Assisted Housing. Also known as the Down Payment Assistance Program, EAH can help employers work in partnership with their communities

to address affordable housing shortages.

Through the program, employers may grant funds toward the purchase of a home to employees who meet income guidelines, and the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund will provide a match of up to $2,500.

MIDWEST MINNESOTA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Looking for a business loan from $5,000 to $20 million? That’s an unusual range, but the Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation, or MMCDC, is an unusual organization.

With headquarters in Detroit Lakes, MMCDC is a non-profit organization that provides capital resources and innovative ideas to assist in successful business and community development throughout Minnesota and the Midwest.

MMCDC is one of the largest nonprofit lenders in the state. It lends to businesses — both established businesses and startups — that aim to improve their communities by creating new jobs and greater financial opportunities for residents.

In brief, MMCDC provides the following services: ► Business lending for new business and business expansions that aim to improve the community. ► Community development and technical assistance. ► Affordable housing: MMCDC manages rental properties that accommodate everyone from low-income and handicapped individuals to senior citizens in need of assisted living. ► Affordable loans for home purchase and home repair, thanks to a combination of low-interest loan products and down payment assistance.

MMCDC offers a number of advantages to businesses: ► Low interest rates. MMCDC can often provide a loan with a belowmarket interest rate, so eligible business owners can save on interest expenses. ► Flexible terms. The corporation’s loan programs offer business owners flexible terms, providing more options when it comes to the length of the loan. ► Community development. By teaming up with MMCDC, eligible business

BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018 | 35

owners get the personal satisfaction of knowing that they’re helping to improve the community in which they live. ► A wide variety of programs and financing options. Eligible business owners are granted access to a number of loan programs that traditional lenders can’t always offer. These programs feature low, and often fixed, interest rates, reduced closing costs and minimal down payments, so less money is needed at closing.

DETROIT LAKES REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE For nearly a century, the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce has been a connective hub for businesses and business owners in the local area.

A volunteer organization, the chamber assists its members with marketing, holds workforce and leadership trainings, and provides opportunities for networking and community partnerships.

The chamber organizes retail promotions to bring customers to town, and is heavily involved in community-wide events that make Detroit Lakes a fun place to live and visit. Its visitor’s center serves tourists and newcomers with valuable information about the community.

The local chamber has been a hub for businesses and business owners in the Detroit Lakes area for nearly a century. Marie Johnson / Tribune BANKS Detroit Lakes is home to multiple banks, all of which have options for mortgage and business lending. ► Bremer Bank, 115 Holmes Street East, 218-847-9292 ► Midwest Bank, main office at 613 Highway 10 East (218-847-4771), branch office inside Walmart (218-847-9700)

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► First Security Bank, 611 Summit Avenue, 218-847-3042 ► Bell State Bank and Trust, 920 Lake Avenue, 218-844-3000 ► American National Bank, 1325 Highway 10 West, 218-847-1383 ► Wells Fargo, 211 Holmes Street West, 218-847-1361

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DetroIt Lakes Newspapers DetroIt Lakes Newspapers Every Day is a News Day...www.dl-online.com Every Day is a News Day...www.dl-online.com

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“Our Circle of Life Academy is immersed in Anishinaabe Mino-Bimaadiziwin for our chiildren and community while providing the highest quality of education.”

The Circle of Life Academy is a Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Grant school operated by the White Earth Reservation Tribal Council.

We offer a comprehensive K-12 culturally-based education program to Native American students residing on or near the White Earth Reservation.

Circle of Life Academy 35233 Mission Road | White Earth, MN 56591 218.983.4180

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BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018 | 37

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

TRANSPORTATION

Options to get here, there and everywhere

O

N LAND The following taxi and public transit services are available in Detroit Lakes and the surrounding area: ► DL Taxi Service provides rides all around Becker County and beyond, offering service rides and deliveries at a discounted rate. The taxi service can be reached at 218-847-3456. ► Becker County Transit provides service throughout the county for $1.50 per every five miles traveled. Open to everyone, the transit busses run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Busses take people to work, to their appointments, shopping, visiting, and even transport children to and from day care facilities.

Door-to-door service is available to passengers with special needs; busses are equipped for wheelchairs and electric

scooters. Becker County Transit may be reached at 218-847-1674 or 1-888-8471674. ► White Earth Public Transportation operates from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays, transporting passengers to and from various stops on the reservation and in Detroit Lakes. Regular routes are $1 one way, or Dial-A-Ride is $2 one way. Contact the service at 218-9833283.

IN THE AIR The Detroit Lakes-Becker County Airport is a publicly-owned, public-use airport located two miles west of the central business district of Detroit Lakes.

The airport covers 288 acres and has two runways, though at the time of this writing it was in the midst of a growth spurt. Ground was broken in October 2017 on an $18 million improvement

Becker County Transit buses take people to the gym, to work, to their appointments, shopping and more. Service is offered throughout the county for $1.50 per every five miles traveled. Marie Johnson / Tribune 38 | BECKER COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REVIEW 2018

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project to relocate, widen and extend the larger of the two runways. Under the plan, the 4,500-foot runway will expand to 5,200 feet and will be moved away from the Highway 10 and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway corridor.

The project is being done in phases in order to cause as little disruption of airport traffic as possible during construction.

Managed by Detroit Lakes Aviation, the airport maintains light sport aircraft, piston twins, turbo pros and jet aircraft.

Hangar space, maintenance, fuel and rental cars are all available. Detroit Lakes Aviation also offers avionics, pilot services, pickup and delivery services, aircraft sales and float plane service.

Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, but after-hour and weekend services are available.

sHinE BRigHt Explore. Apply. Register. minnesota.edu/shine

Minnesota State Community and Technical College, A member of the Minnesota State system, is an affirma�ve ac�on, equal opportunity educator and employer.

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OPPORTUNITY IS AT HAND...

IRP Business Loans/Industrial Site Low interest loan funds are available for new or expanding businesses.

Tax Increment Financing Eligible projects can receive tax increment financing for nine to twenty-five years.

Industrial Lots Available 20 Industrial Park lots are available for new or expanding businesses.

Detroit Lakes Becker County Airport FBO Detroit Lakes Aviation, Full Service FBO • Fueling • Aircraft • Hanger Rentals • Parts & Maintenance

Detroit Lakes: A History of Progress

A Future of Opportunity

CONTACT: LARRY REMMEN

Community Development Director

218.847.5658

The Detroit Lakes Development Authority is an equal opportunity Lender/Agency 001711047r1